9 replies to this topic

[garzz75]

I posted on here a few weeks back about a vibration I have with my mini,standard 1275 metro unit. I first suspected the clutch but a guy I know said to check the flywheel to see if it was loose I did this by removing the starter motor and used a small leaver it moved not a lot but it moved.The mini hasn't moved since I posted on here about the problem but am sure the flywheel on any car shouldn't move side to side.Is this a major problem,if it is what's the best plan to fix.

[Stevie W]

Hi,
You are quite correct, the flywheel shouldn't move at all if a sideways load is put on it.
The only thing to do is strip it all out by removing the flywheel end engine mount bolts and jacking the engine up at the flywheel end.
It'll now be easier to remove the clutch cover bolts and remove the clutch cover.
The whole flywheel & clutch assembly will need to be removed to assess what is going on.
If the flywheel has come losse on the crank tail it's not good news as the crank tail taper will have been damaged which usually means a new crank.
With the flywheel removed, have a good look at the crank tail and see if the large lock washer under the flywheel bolt has been damaged. This along with a ruined taper means the flywheel has indeed come loose.
If all looks ok there then there maybe issues with a cracked or broken crank at the flywheel end. Try moving the crank tail from side to side and look for movement.
Broken cranks are pretty rare but do happen.
Hope this helps,
Steve

Edited by Stevie W, 06 August 2012 - 04:57 PM.

[garzz75]

Thanks steve, trying to keep positive here,was hoping it was just a case of new flywheel bolt and re torque lol going to start strip down tonight if rain holds off.

Edited by garzz75, 06 August 2012 - 12:33 PM.

[Stevie W]

No probs, glad to help!
Lets hope its nothing serious then..... good luck with the strip-down and I hope the naffin' rain holds off
Steve

Edited by Stevie W, 06 August 2012 - 04:57 PM.

[tiger99]

I doubt that the taper will be damaged beyond what can be corrected by lapping it, because if the flywheel was loose for very long the drive key would fail, which it obviously has not.

It is just possible that the movement you are seeing is actually crankshaft end float, not a loose flywheel. To prove the point, try wedging the pulley end of the crankshaft tight, maybe jam a piece of wood between the nut and the engine mount. If it no longer moves, your problem is end float, which will require new thrust washers.

[AndyMiniMad.]

Or possibly the six bolts that hold it to the back plate have come loose..That would account for the vibration and the slight movement..

[garzz75]

Thanks tiger99 when i checked for movement of the flywheel i had my finger tip between crank pulley and the caseing and it had very minimal movement compaired to flywheel.To remove the flywheel what position does the engine have to be in so that the C washer doesn't become jambed.

[Cooperman]

As 'tiger' says, check that the movement is not just crank end-float. The end float should be between 0.002" and 0,005".
It does sound as though the flywheel will have to be removed for further investigation though.
To ensure that the C-washer does not fall down have all pistons at mid-stroke then the C-washer is horizontal.

Edited by Cooperman, 06 August 2012 - 05:45 PM.

[garzz75]

Thanks Andyminimad

[garzz75]

Ok cooperman yes the only way is to strip it down and investigate thanks hopefully this sodin rain clears off so i can get on with it hate not being able to drive it.